What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitos. These parasitic worms (which look like strands of cooked spaghetti in the heart) can be up to 1 foot in length and reside in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. Left untreated, they cause severe lung damage and eventually heart failure.
Some signs of heartworm disease in dogs include coughing, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Progressive disease can also cause signs of heart failure which include a swollen distended abdomen, coffee-colored urine, labored breathing, and pale gums. Talk to one of our knowledgeable veterinarians if you are concerned your dog may have been infected with heartworms right away.
How Can Heartworm Disease Be Prevented?
Heartworm disease is easily prevented with monthly heartworm prevention pills, topicals or an annual injectable that you can get from your veterinarian. It is important to remember to give them to your dog every month, year-round for full protection. One box of oral or topical preventive typically provides 6 months of protection, so make sure to keep it refilled.
You can also make it easier to remember by purchasing a year’s supply of heartworm prevention, or for dogs over one year old can get the annual injectable. Heartworm prevention also has the added benefit of protecting against intestinal worms.
Types Of Heartworm Prevention Medication Available
When it comes to preventing heartworms, there are several different types of medications available, including sprays, oral tablets, spot-on treatments and flea collars. Burke County Animal Hospital can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.
- Oral Tablets and Chewables – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.
- Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
- Injectable - A single injectable medication given by the veterinarian to prevent heartworms and intestinal worms for up to 12 months coverage.
Fleas And Ticks
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Burke County Animal Hospital can evaluate your pet to determine the best type of flea prevention medication.
Pet Health Hazards Of Fleas And Ticks
Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can cause serious harm to your pet. The most common problem associated with fleas is flea allergy dermatitis, which causes excessive itching, skin inflammation, sores and hair loss. The second most common problem associated with fleas is tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and when the flea bites your pet, the egg can be deposited under your pet’s skin, causing a tapeworm infestation.
Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause zoonosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pets joints and a decrease in appetite. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. Zoonosis is known for causing bloody diarrhea, fevers, runny noses and watering eyes.
For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by rapid breathing, lack of appetite and excessive sleeping. If you suspect your pet has anemia due to fleas, it is an emergency situation.
Types Of Flea Prevention Medication Available
When it comes to preventing fleas and ticks, there are several different types of medications available, including oral tablets and spot-on treatments. Burke County Animal Hospital can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.
- Oral Tablets and Chewables – Typically given once a month or once every three months to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.
- Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
Parasite Prevention Help With Burke County Animal Hospital
When it comes to controlling fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites you can count on us to provide you with the right type of medication for your pet and advice on how to prevent re-infections. If you are looking for a medication where the parasite does not need to bite your pet in order to be killed, we may recommend spot-on treatments. If you are looking for a no-hassle way to control fleas and ticks in your dog or cat, oral tablets may be the right solution. For heartworm prevention we may prescribe monthly chewables or an annual injectable.
For more information on our parasite prevention services or to schedule another type of service, like your pet’s yearly wellness examination, call us at (706) 554-3111 today.